What relationship does "current lags" describe in an inductive circuit?

In an inductive circuit, "current lags" refers to the relationship between voltage and current where the voltage waveform reaches its peak before the current waveform does. This phenomenon occurs due to the inherent properties of inductors, which oppose changes in current.

When the alternating current (AC) voltage is applied to an inductive load, the inductor creates a magnetic field that requires time to build up, which causes the current to increase at a slower rate. Consequently, the peak voltage is achieved before the peak current, hence we say that the voltage leads the current.

This relationship is fundamental in the study of AC circuits and understanding the phase difference between current and voltage in inductive systems.